The Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation has temporarily closed Zones 1 and 2 of Yala National Park to visitors due to severe dry weather conditions.
The closure will take effect today (14) and remain in place for one month, until October 15.
Yala National Park is home to 44 mammal species, 215 bird species, 47 reptile species and 21 fish species. The park generally experiences its peak tourist season between August and March.
However, the current El Niño-related dry conditions have severely affected the park, causing several water sources to dry up and creating a shortage of drinking water for wildlife.
Wildlife officials said the extreme heat has also dried out vegetation and grasslands, reducing the availability of food for animals.
In response, the Department has launched a special programme to provide water to wildlife. Solar-powered motors are being used to pump water from four locations along the Menik River, which is then delivered to ponds inside the park through underground pipelines.
Officials have also arranged to transport approximately 200,000 litres of water daily by bowser to fill both artificial and natural ponds.
Authorities said the temporary closure aims to reduce disturbances caused by tourist vehicles and allow animals to move freely in search of food and water during the dry period.
